trevor

http://www.ehow.com/how_7332910_spot-knock_off-costa-del-mar.html I can't post some links, but do a quick Google search for "fake costa sunglasses", and you should get lots of info. Generally speaking, authentic Costa 580G lenses will blow you away, while the knockoff's probably won't. I would just contact Costa and go discuss it with them, since your glasses should have serial numbers and warranty codes that should be authenticating. And the above poster knows what he's talking about: you will soon NEED another pair.

Just be careful not to get fakes. It happened to me, but thankfully I was able to return them. I ended up getting them straight from Costa's web site. But anyway, hope you're happy with them. I know I love my 580G lenses.

Light braids will have a tendency to dig into themselves.

I have used both Oakley and Costa in the last few years, and the difference over $20 shades is incredible. Oakleys are good, and much better than el cheapos, but Costa 580Gs really are significantly better than Oakleys. The 580 glass lenses are stunning. And, since they are glass, you don't have to worry about scratching quite as easily. I realize they're like $50 -$100 more than most Oakleys, but it really is worth it. Until Costa produces something better, I have promised myself they are all I'll use. Llifetime warranty. https://www.costadelmar.com/ If you're looking for some great glasses in the $120, check out the Guideline Elite glasses. They are glass lens shades made for fishing. I've never got to try them, but

Tom Scholz

Came here to post that. Classic.

X4

Diesel rods carry no warranty, whatsoever. And I would have to say that there is no comparison between an Ugly Stick and a quality graphite rod. Especially bottom contact baits, you really need the extra sensitivity.

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier is great, and on sale pretty often. Even so, it's retail is $100. In my opinion, it's around the $100 mark that baitcasters start to be of pretty decent quality. Not that all are, but that seems to be a rough estimate.

Yep, with that limit I would also go with a Reddington. I don't own one, but have heard lots of positive first-hand experiences (besides this board). Another brand, which I do have first hand experience with, is Echo. I own two of their rods, and they are both awesome. Great warranties, and unless you slam them in a door or something, you'll never break them. Some good quality, affordable fly line is Cabela's Airflow Supple. Made by Airflo (arguably the best fly line manufacturer), and now on sale for only $30. But I think the Reddingtons will feel more like a high end rod, while the lower end Echo's, like the Carbon and Ion, will just be incredibly tough and still do anything you ask of them. Reel wise, for freshwater, I would get the Cabela's Prestige PREMIER. It only costs around $80, has a very smooth drag, and has served me well so far as a smallmouth/small carp reel. Another affordable option is the Ion reel from Echo. I've never used it, but I hear good things. Some other options in the under $100 range are the Orvis Clearwater, the Ross Flyrise, and for a wee bit more, Allen reels and Lamson Konics.

I don't think they are at all. So many great new products from Shimano it's staggering. First Lucanus, now Waxwing lures, the TranX, lots of great bang-for-your-buck rods, the Trinidad A, the Terez rods, new Power Pro Super Slick, not to mention the new Stella. I guess they could have done better in the Low Profile department, but overall they are going forward, at least in my opinion.

Don't worry about spending lots of money on a freshwater fly reel. The mostly just hold your line, unless you are carp, steelhead, etc. fishing.

If you are looking into fishing a heavier rod weight, I wouldn't skimp on the quality. A cheap, heavy rod be a bother to cast all day.

What do you plan of fly fishing for? If you feel like you'll only really use one rod, then sure: buy a nice rod. But maybe you want some more options?

Orvis. Unbelievable customer service. And absolutely great rods, the Access and up are made in the USA. Down in the Keys I had a problem with one of their reels. Took it to the nearest store and got it replaced, no questions asked. I was also given some free flies and a significant discount (around 50%) on some other items. And the people were so pleasant and professional, just awesome.

Momoi's Diamond Braid is my favorite, with Stren Sonic Braid up there.

Yeah, I think it's a Redhorse. What a nice fish! I am quite jealous.

Penn reels used to be (and still are) highly respected in the saltwater arena. But the Penn reels of late have given rise to a lot of quality issues. One of the main complaints with their spinning reels is the use of very cheap metal for the gearing. Here is a very in-depth review of the Sargus, a spinning reels that sells for around $80. http://www.stripersonline.com/t/623193/penn-sargus-8000-the-review What the review has to say about the gears? - "This is the biggest fault of this reel. Gears range in material and construction methods from moulded plastic to ultra sophisticated cold forged surface treated ones. This cast aluminium of the Sargus is positioned near the bottom of the list The gear is neither strong nor durable, and being a cast makes its ductility and shock resistance highly questionable. Other than plastic and sintered aluminium gears, I can't think of a poorer gear construction. The way Penn makes spinning gears now leaves a big question mark, especially with the reported stripped gears in the more costly SSM series."

Looks like you and I both underestimated them!

A ten weight is really heavy to cast all day. I read an article in "Fly Fishing Saltwaters" a few months ago arguing for the 9'9wt as the best all-around saltwater fly rod. I think that fly size, etc. should be pretty comparable. As far as a specific model, I am partial to Orvis equipment because of its performance and their awesome, awesome customer service. My favorite carp setup is a 9'6wt SW Orvis Hydros Rod (discontinued, replaced with "Access") and a 7/8wt Hydros Reel. I fish Orvis trout line, and the setup is just perfect. I think with a change to bass line it would be great for bass, but I don't fish for pike or muskie, so I can't comment on that. Keep in mind, if you are serious about carp, they take a very delicate presentation, one that I am not sure would be at all easy with a 10wt line.

I feel your pain, man. Trying to stay optimistic, but I think the Pens are too hot to handle.

Another thing is to make sure that you are spooling the line on the right way. There is actually a wrong way to do it! Stick the spool on a pencil and have someone hold it while you spool up your reel. You want the line coming off the bottom of the spool, not the top. You should be able to find videos of this on youtube. Another thing you can do is manually flip your bail.

Put the ticket behind a McDonald's Flurry machine.

Caps? They don't have the best postseason record, my man.

A great, affordable, combo that actually casts really well is the Dogwood Canyon outfits from BPS. It was my first rod and reel and I still use the rod quite often. It's not to fancy, but gets the job done.